VOLUNTEERS ORDERED TO THE FRONT.

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 99, 25 October 1881, Page 2

VOLUNTEERS ORDERED TO THE FRONT.

The fact that tho Government last night decided to accept the immediate pervice of the Voluteerß who had signified their willingness to go to tho front, created considerable excitement among tho members of the various corps, aud enthuaiasm in the ranks of thoo who have been burning for some time for active service. It was understood that tho Navals would be required to leave for Opunako on Wednesday, and many of them expressed their willingness to start earlier if accessary. Lieutenant Wallace, on hearing the intention of tho Government, proceeded to the Lower Hutt, where lib attended a parade of the contingent there, and announced the "news" which had been received through tho Defence Department. During to-day there has been great excitement among 1 the bluo coats, and a rumour, which was circulated to the effect that the Government intended to call out all volunteer corps for active service, sot tho pulses of members of other corps " wildly beating time." Wo understand that tho Government aro considering' the desirableness of formally oalling out all tho volunteers, but that only those who have volunteered to go to " the front " will be asked to do so. It is thought that this will ui^et all roquiroments It had been notified that tho members of the Naval Brigade who had volunteered for tho front should assemble at the Dri'l .Shed at 12.15 this afternoon, and at that hour there wa? a large crowd of volunteers and spectators present. Ihe Navals present were marched to tho office, whore their names wero taken down, and they wcro informed the new clothing would be provided for them early next morning. Sixty men, all told, oaino forward. Of these 16 only aro married. Tho bulk of the men are fine healthy -looking fellows, but several are mero youths. The detachment will bo under the command of Lieutenant Bennett and Assißtant-Paymaßter Key worth. There are also four potty-officers. Of the 21 of tho Petoni and Hutt contingent who offered their services last night 11 only gave in their Dames to-day, but it is expected several others will join tho ranks to-night. Tho following arc tho names of tho men : — Hutt and Petoni contingent — Married : Seamen Miller, Henry, P. Smith, G. Loraa3, J. May ; Single : Seamen Hickson, Clapcott, Battorsby, A Loevers, Clingsbcrg, and M'Gonasrlo. Wellington contingent—Married : Potty - Officers Armstrong and Carey, Seamen Dodsworth, G. Taylor, Nash, R. Rice, Key, Ellson, J. Igoc, G. Clarke, and T. Kelly; Single: Petty-Officors Geary, Nicholson, and Leovew, Seamen Plummor, Luckey, G. Crowder, Little, W. H. Meek, Waters, lialcombe, G. James, Calcani, J. C. Taylor, W. J. Davey, Mitchell, W. Watson, Devino, Gregg, Dixon, Wardell, M'Donough, l?yder, Marks, H. Hunt, Harty, A. Spackman, B. li. Stock, H. Bowler, H. Oliff, E. Arnold, R. Walpolo, A. Nicholson, G. Palmer, H. Smith SnbLieutenant Diver, of the Naval Cadet?, also goes with tho detachment, and will probably occupy tho post of midshipman. About forty outsideis and members of other companies were anxious to jrin the detachment, but it was decided not to take on recruits, and it was impossible to enrol members of other corps without the permission of tho commanding officers. It would havo been easy to secure the services of over 100 men if ib had been deemed expedient to take all who offered. The men will assemblo at the general parade of volunteers at the drill-shod to-night, and to-morrow morning they will meet at tho barracks, when the necessary clothing will be issued. About ton of those who go to the front are at present employed by the Public Works Department, but wo understand tho Government will offer them every facility to join their detachment. It is expected that one of the Government steamers will be in readiness to-morrow afternoon to convey the volunteers to Opunake The men appeared to be in the highest spirits, and look forward with eagerness to having a chance of active service. It speaks well for the patriotism of tho corps that so many havo come forward so roadi y, and we have no doubt that, if necessary, every man, not only in the Naval Brigade, but in every corps in the city, will be found willing to give his services. Lieut. Bennett, who goes in charge of the detachment, is a volunteer officer of considerable experience, having held commissions in tho Thames and Naval Brigades for 12 years. When connected with tho Thames Naval Brigade, tho townspeople publicly presented him with a handsome sword for saving life, and his company gave him a testimonial in the shape of a gold watch as a token of their esteem. He is very popnlar among his men m Wellington, and will doubtless show himself an efficient officer under fire, if ho should be called upon for such service.